“It will tell us whether to move forward with Simon Kenton or whether we will be looking to do the same thing maybe at another place,” said Marlene Labig, president of the Jeremiah Tree Board — one of the organizations that make up Bridges of Hope.”We’re definitely committed to the concept of Bridges of Hope.”
Partners in the Simon Kenton Project include The Jeremiah Tree, Xenia Area Association of Churches & Ministries and Greene County Circles.
Initial plans for the project included a prayer room, a food pantry and an emergency shelter for the homeless. Labig said a number of challenges, including funding, have slowed the process of securing a building for the organization.
“While they’re passionate about the need, they many not be able to contribute in any way,” Labig said. “Because of all that, we hope to tap into the business community in Greene County.”
City officials are considering leasing the property to avoid spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in demolition costs for the vacant school. Preliminary estimates for the demolition are around $300,000, according to the city.
Xenia has owned the building since Xenia Board of Education officially gave the city the property in 2013. City council and staff have discussed multiple uses for building including converting it into a police station, a new city hall or a new recreation facility.
Xenia spends an estimated $2,500 monthly on utilities for the building, according to the city estimates.
“While I can’t speak for council directly, I would think they would be waiting to see if Bridges of Hope can fully fund and bring their project to reality,” said Lee Warren, a Xenia spokesman. “… If council decides after the proposal the project is a good fit for the building, the city will recommend they proceed with plans to sell or lease it. If council determines that the proposed purchase for the building is not suitable, it will probably make a decision on whether to sell it to another party or consider other options.”
If the city council moves forward with leasing the building to the organization, Bridges of Hope will start working on fundraising, Labig said.
“Until we know exactly where we’re going, it’s hard to communicate the dream to a potential investor,” she said.
Initially the group believed they needed $1.5 million, including $1 million for capital improvements and $432,000 to cover operating expenses for three years, that figure does not account for potential in-kind or donated services, Labig said.
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